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Southern Charm

Norman Vincent Peale

Change your THOUGHTS and you change your WORLD.

Fine Art America, again

Prints, Posters, and Notecards

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.”

Southern Cook

Daily Paintings

Galatian 5:22

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Heartbeat at my feet

"My little dog... heartbeat at my feet." ~Edith Wharton

Southern Cook

Watermelon Recipes

Job 37:5

“God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding."

COTC Analytics

Amazon Associates

Belles and Beaus

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

I can't believe it's been a decade since I took a week off from my job to learn how to use Typepad and elementary HTML programming in order to publish my blog. Are they still called blogs? It seems so archaic now. It was the end of May 2009. Facebook had only recently made the leap from college campuses to the ubiquitous platform it is today. Instagram and Pinterest weren't even created yet. MySpace was the only social media that had gone mainstream.

When I started the blog, it was simply a hobby, a place where I could publish tales and belles lettres about things I love, and interesting tidbits picked up from where I live, and some of the interesting people who live around here, plus beautiful gardens, traditional holidays, local events, and highlights of beautiful, historic home, and recipes, tons of scrumptious recipes, all to honor my southern roots.

My dear friend Ginger lived in Iowa at the time and suggested I write more about Southern Belles, southern history, and traditions, and general "southern-ness." "Like, what is a Cotillion?" she asked. I"m happy to share what I know. I love the south, my home. Yet I also love New England, the mid-West, the Northwest, Europe, and places I've never been. It's hard to discriminate when my love of history, historic architecture, good food, interesting people, holidays and fun events are universal.

It's been a learning process, especially thinking of all the faux pas that had to be corrected, apologized for, and blushed through. More importantly it has been an inspiring, creative outlet feeding my curiosity and love of photography and word smithing.

Later in 2009, I wanted to go further into creativity and rekindled my love of painting. I've always loved painting and art, but it took a backseat while attending graduate school and building a marketing career. But I missed it. I would go to galleries and museums and exhibits, and I started to notice nearly every Nashville painter gave credit to their instructors and influencers, and one name was repeated again and again, Hazel King.

Who was Hazel King? I must find this woman.

As luck would have it, or fate, or holding all things in divine order, Hazel King was a 90 year-old painting instructor who taught through Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation at the Centennial Park Art Center five days a week, and a new series of classes was starting in September. I had to be enrolled. The only problem was I worked five days a week and traveled out of state several times each month. How would this work?

Fortunately I had weeks of accrued comp time stored up, plus vacation time, and a supervisor who was leaving the company unbeknownst to anyone, and he agreed to let me take off from work ten Tuesdays in a row to take the class. I am forever grateful Gary Dittman!!!

And then started the next journey, to work towards becoming a self-employed Artist!

Charm of the Carolines has never swayed from its original mission, but oh has it expanded to include more of the things I love, including scripture, books, fostering rescue dogs and cats, mid-century living, and painting. You'll find my art peppered in the regular blog posts or dedicated blog posts or you can click on "Honoring the Muse" and read a dedicated section to painting, teaching, taking workshops, attending Plein Air invitationals, students, art dates, all things Artist.

And mid-summer next year, I'll be celebrating my Ten Year Anniversary of being a self-employed artist.

Thank you for visiting with me, sharing your thoughts, allowing me to share mine. Thank you for rescuing dogs and cats and sharing my posts with your friends to get the word out when there is an unwanted animal in need of fostering or a forever home. Thank you for registering for my classes and workshops and purchasing my paintings. Thank you for your comments, for your photos shared with me for reference for future paintings, for your enthusiasm and questions, and insights.

Saturday, May 18, 2019

My friend Sonja got a call last week to inform her the Tennessee Titans Caravan was adding a Spring Hill 'meet and greet' to their tour. Several members of the Tennessee Titans football team came to Port Royal Park to meet the public, sign autographs, and throw football with kids.

Sonja is the Director of Programs for Spring Hill Parks and Recreation, and it was her job to work out all the details. And she was sworn to secrecy! She said it was the hardest thing she ever had to do, and I don't doubt it.

Officer Lovett was assigned to protect Marcus Mariota. Lucky duck!

I'm not sure who was more popular, Quarterback Marcus Mariota or T-Rac.

Look at that sweet, little face. Pure joy.

Other team members to visit were linebacker Kamalei Correa, linebacker Rashaan Evans and linebacker Sharif Finch.

The visit to Spring Hill was the Titans’ second out of 18 total stops at numerous locations throughout Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. The tradition began in 1998, when the Titans Caravan tour started as a means for players to engage with local fans and communities across the region. In the past 20 years, they have visited nearly 1,000 local towns.

Sunday, May 12, 2019

"The peace and prosperity of Nancy Hilderbrand's existence on the banks of the Tennessee, the ancients' Giver of life, is disrupted by the Removal of 1838, when native peoples are stripped of their lands by Federal powers greedy for gold and fertile soil. "The finest seamstress outside New Echota," Nancy, widowed, with child, and awaiting deportation from the miserable internment of the stockade near Ross Landing, joins forces with Kaquoli Hicks, a devoted teacher left without students, and Sara Colaquee, a young girl left without parents. Their talents and strengths make them a formidable assemblage.

Nancy had determined: "The men in blue might strip them of their heritage and steal from them their home, but they could not taint the color of their blood, the nobility of their character. Their big knives were no match for the long, gleaming, razor-edged blade of hatred sheathed in her soul. Their big knives could only pierce the body--at worst, setting the spirit free. Hatred could do so much more."

River Sisters, the Giver is the account of these courageous women, as they escape captivity, make their way back to the river valley, and, ultimately, gain entrance and acceptance into "white" society. Nancy declares: "The future is in our own hands. We must make a way for ourselves. Whether it be white, Cherokee, or something in between--it must be a way that is right and good for us. And I must make a way for the children." Like the Giver itself, the lives of the "sisters' take unexpected turns, sometimes churning and with hidden dangers. Motivated by the past, accepting the challenges of the present, and unable to anticipate the future that lies ahead, the "river sisters" preserve the mark of their noble character on generations to follow."

Are you counting down the days to summer with hot afternoons, lazy reading on the front porch swing, the backyard hammock or on a blanket at the beach? (Or possibly in the air conditioning draped across the davenport?) Several publishers have offered me several books to give away this summer starting with Lucky in Love. Lesley Stevenson was our lucky winner of that book, but there will be many more opportunities to win.

Leave a comment below for your chance to win, or to the Charm of the Carolines Facebook page, and be sure to follow the page, or to my Instagram page SusanElizabethJones_Art, and be sure to follow. You may enter up to three times (once on each platform) and if you tag a friend that will count for additional chances, one for each friend tagged. On June 1 a random number will be selected from Random.org. The winner will be contacted by email or private message (depending on the platform) and asked for their shipping address. And that's it! Easy, Peasy, Lemon-Squeezy! This Give-away is only for residents of the US.

Once I receive the shipping address of the winner, I'll congratulate him or her on this post and ship the book. I'll also set up the next book give-away. Check back often!

On June 1, we'll be giving away River Sisters the Giver, a wonderful new book just published on May 3, 2019. And there's more! Make your plans now to come meet the author, Jan Dearman, at Viola's Pizza Company at 7 Lynn Street in Viola, Tennessee at 2pm. The restaurant will start serving at 3pm, so stay for the best pizza in town!

In the 19th century, small samples of home furnishings to scale were carried around a territory by salesmen to show examples of their wares which could be ordered and created on an as-needed basis. It was never meant to be doll furniture, as many think it is today. However, it makes great doll furniture. I love it!

I don't know the history of this particular piece, but I will be at Rippavilla next week and will find out. This piece is just one of several miniatures on exhibit at the mansion.

Make your plans to visit Rippavilla next time you are in middle Tennessee.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Kiffin Yates Rockwell (1892–1916) was an early aviator and the first American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in World War I. On May 18, 1916, Rockwell attacked and shot down a German plane over the Alsace battlefield. For this action he was awarded the Medailee Militaire and the Croix de Guerre. He was from Newport, Tennessee.

Blessings to all

God has lovingly and generously showered his sweet blessings all around middle Tennessee. I enjoy so much selecting a chosen few to share with you in these photos, recipes, paintings, inspirations and sometimes, completely random thoughts. Thank you for the visit. Come on back again real soon!

"To see the miraculous within the ordinary is the mark of highest wisdom." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." ~Abraham Lincoln

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Handbook of Southern Manners

Handbook of Southern MannersIf you are from the South, you probably could have written this book. This link is for everyone else who may be curious.

e.e. cummings

Charm of the Carolines

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

My Precious Furbabies

Lily Belle
Nannie Nutmeg
Max (2008- 4/3/2020)
Love is found in the strangest packages, even disguised as a Cocker Spaniel hobo drifting through the neighborhood. I found Max as a stray on New Year's Day 2016 and have loved and cared for him ever since. Still do. Love you silly boy! Miss you terribly.

Tammy Tabby

Suzie-Q

Suzie-Q is a full-blooded Japanese Chin. She is full of personality and an adorable little snorter with that smooshed nose. While I was out of town another foster kept her and fell in love. Foster Failure! Suzie Q now has a new momma who adores her. Love you sweet pup!
Molly

Molly is a happy girl after spending the day at the Pretty Parlor, AKA Diggin' the Doos in Columbia, TN. She is a Maltese-mix with the sweetest disposition. Molly was adopted today by the sweetest couple who are thrilled to welcome her into their home along with their cat Oblivia. Molly now has her very own momma, daddy, sister-cat and for the first time, her very own bed. Love you sweet girl!
Banner
We located an adopter who couldn't decide between two dogs in a local high-kill shelter, so the rescue decided to pull both of them if I would agree to foster the one not chosen for adoption. Do you have to ask twice? Gladly! Of the Bichon and the Maltipoo, the adopter chose the Bichon. They were both adorable and lovable, but she really didn't have room for two. So I got the Maltipoo. But not for long. Once word got out this beautiful boy was available the adoption applications poured in. The volunteers worked tirelessly to vet the best candidates, and the top three were interviewed by founder of the rescue and by me. Banner's new momma drove several hours from Kentucky to pick up her new baby on Wednesday morning. It was a quick turn-around, and Suzie-Q, my next foster was delivered to my house that afternoon.

Odis

Oh how I love this little boy! Precious Odis is a full-blooded Shih Tzu puppy, about seven months old. I enjoyed fostering him for a few weeks until he was adopted by my dear friend Janet and her family who have given him a loving home and are spoiling him daily.

Mandy

This little girl was found as a stray by a friend in the countryside. She was terrified of cars, so I'm afraid she may have been dumped. She doesn't belong to anyone within miles of where she was found. Luckily a sweet family adopted her and loves her to the moon and back. They describe her as perfect.

Bootsie

Love this sweet, cuddly little beggar. Her family moved away and left her in the neighborhood. She took up residence under my next-door neighbors house and they fed her regularly, but she didn't have vet care or flea treatment. They moved this past weekend, so I contacted Pet Pals of Maury County for assistance. They immediately sent a voucher to a local vet so we could get her checked out, vaccinated, and spayed. I'm happy to report she has been given a clean bill of health and has been adopted.

Little Man Max

This adorable little snuggle pup is a 3lb, 7 year old, altered male Yorkie. He was adopted by a precious, retired couple in Alabama who also adopted a Yorkie from Tennessee River Rescue in Selmer, TN. Along with this fur-sibling, Little Man Max will have a Schnauzer and Schnoodle to play with, along with afternoon golf cart rides around Lake Cullman. I want your life Max!!

Mr. Whiskers

This sweet boy looks like a little, red fox. And he was adopted!!

Honey Noggin'

Honey Noggin' (nee Gypsy) is still available. She is a senior pup with one bottom tooth that protrudes from her underbite so she reminds me of Elvis. Thank ya, Thank ya vury much!

Ebbie

Ebbie is an owner surrendered, 9 year old, female Basset Hound who is pure love in a dog suit and terribly confused. The only life she has ever known was uprooted and she came to live with me. Now a precious, young family has adopted her and they are in love. And their whole neighborhood is in love. That's what happens when there is a Basset about.

Lola and Lonnie

Lonnie and Lola are brother and sister, about 18 months old and simply adorable. They were adopted together. Thank you!!

Charlotte

Yay! My little foster Charlotte found her forever home at the PetSmart Adoption Event with Russell Rescue. She has two young boys to play with and they are already in love.

Brownie Puryear

Brownie found her furever home today! Yay!! Your new Momma has lots of puppy snuggles in her future.

Sadie Elizabeth (nee Bubbles)

This precious baby was my foster and is now my god-puppy. She was adopted by my parents. She was special from the moment my dad laid eyes on her. We are thrilled to welcome her into our family as a member, and not a foster.

Glory B

Looking like the lovechild of Yoda and one of the Grimlins is Glory B (formerly Blackie). She is full of spunk and sass.... all three and a half pounds of her! Glory B was adopted by a sweet, retired couple looking for lap puppy on which to heap all their snuggles and kisses.

Maddie

Maddie was my foster for less than a week. This sweet girl was adopted by my friends Don and Carol who have given her a new fur-sibling as well as a loving home. Don't you just love happy endings?

Junebug

Junebug is a precious, 35lb, young, female, terrier-mix foster adopted in September. Playful, intelligent and loveable. She's now enjoying a family of her own.

Millie Matisse

Millie Matisse, my little foster through Russell Rescue, was adopted by an adorable young lady July 2015. She enjoys a loving home that she shares with her new fur-sibling.

Vienna

Vienna, my little foster through Russell Rescue, was adopted by a sweet family in Murfreesboro, June 2015. She enjoyed love and kisses through her finals days and ventured across the Rainbow Bridge end of August 2015.

Gen. Jubal Lee

A little beggar that came up starved and injured. He's hanging out with me until I can determine if he has a home. If not, he has a minor operation in his future and then will be ready for a loving forever home. Right now he is getting loving care and attention and plenty of kibble.

Ruby

Ruby, a Pet Pals of Maury County foster, now lives with her furever family in Culleoka, TN

Ida Claire
Ida Claire, a Snooty Giggles foster, was my furbaby from 10-31-11 to 7-26-12. She was taken by transport to live with her Fur-ever Family in Massachusetts, 7/26/12. Miss you silly girl!